AJC > Sports > Highschools > Blog > Archives > 2007 > August > 28 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USDP’s Gwinnett Power Rankings -Week 1
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Before I unveil these highly anticipated rankings (two people, including my mom, have asked about them), I’d like to set the record straight.
I have not seen the following teams practice this season: Brookwood, Parkview, Grayson, Central Gwinnett, Berkmar, South Gwinnett, Shiloh, Meadowcreek, Collins Hill, Peachtree Ridge, Duluth, Mill Creek and Greater Atlanta Christian.
However, except for South Gwinnett and Duluth, I did see each of those teams play last year.
With that said, here is my criteria for the first edition of DP’s Gwinnett Power Rankings.
—The amount of returning starters and how talented those starters are. I based my talent evaluations on seeing the players last year, as well as, knowing which players are being recruited by which colleges. Individual stars don’t make a team, but talent certainly doesn’t hurt.
—I hate when people say the defending champs should be No. 1 until someone beats them. Last year’s team isn’t playing this year. But I did take into consideration a team’s recent success, only because I believe it builds confidence.
—Coaching was a big factor in my decision. I believe coaching is more important and plays a bigger role in high school than at any other level of football.
—The most important thing I considered was simple: Teams will be ranked above only teams I believe they would beat on the field.
Here you go … let me have it … DP
DP’s Gwinnet Power Rankings Week 1
Norcross
Peachtree Ridge
Grayson
Parkview
Buford
North Gwinnett
Brookwood
Central Gwinnett
Collins Hill
Dacula
Berkmar
Mill Creek
South Gwinnett
Duluth
Greater Atlanta Christian
Shiloh
Wesleyan
Meadowcreek
Permalink | Comments (18) | Post your comment | Categories: David Purdum
Comments
By T.J.
August 29, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this
Good sound crition used for Gwinnett power rankings. I am interested in seeing how Brookwood handles their schedule with the inexperienced Defense they have. Coaching may bump them up a notch or two. This week will be a good indication on where they really are. Grayson may be new powerhouse for the next 3 years. They have alot of talent and depth. Peachtree Ridge has lost a lot of Seniors to be ranked so high but they have a solid squad. Norcross definately the team to beat! Be interested to see your rankings throughout the season, so for now—-Good Job.
By NorcrossMom
August 29, 2007 9:18 AM | Link to this
David, I know your Mother is as proud of you as I am our Blue Devils!
By For real though
August 29, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this
I like your ranking; however the hype on Norcross could become your biggest disappointment. They are struggling in the decision for the quarterback position which will be crucial to their W/L positioning. Grayson will be good this year, but I don’t think you are giving Mill Creek enough due. They have a pretty good team coming back this year also. Even though Collins Hill had a poor showing in their scrimmage against Parkview, I expect them to be right in the thick of things. Of course I am a big Ridge fan and the sound of back to back is resonating and creating an unbelievable buzz in the field house. Everyone outside the field house are concerned about the 44 seniors that graduated off of last year’s team, but the Ridge had a pretty good JV team that is stepping up to fill the void. I’m projecting another banner year for the program under the leadership of new head coach Bill Ballard, formerly from Tucker where he had roughly a 95% win percentage. Given our Cinderella success last year, we anticipate getting opponents A-game, so it should prove to be a pretty interesting year.
By Puddin
August 29, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this
Good call DP. Speaking of good calls. I hope we se some from the zebras this year. Last years crews were terrible all the way to the PR/Roswell game. Hopefully they received better training this year! I know “what kind of cheese would you like with your WHINE.” GO DAWGS!
By T.J.
August 29, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this
Agree, they say that Grayson lost playoff game to Norcross on a bad call. Hate games that are decided on bad calls. Is it true, anyone know?
By NORCROSSdevil08
August 29, 2007 7:03 PM | Link to this
THANK YOU DAVID!!!! this year is definitly our year..and im so happy everyone is finally realizing that…the “ridge” is tough, but you’re right..its not the same team as last year’s….for us too, and our seniors this year are amazing..and we’ll prove it out on the field starting this friday when we beat duluth!! GO BLUE DEVILS!!!
By Hulk Hogan
August 29, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this
wow beat Duluth that’s impressive - I’d be more worried about finding a qb than the wild kitty’s!
By I watch Gwinnett football too...
August 29, 2007 8:43 PM | Link to this
Purdum, A few observations: Buford is too low; North, Berkmar and Mill Creek are too high. North is NOT better than Brookwood and Central, and YOU KNOW THAT. Duluth was one player better than Shiloh, and the Wildcats lost that player to Buford. GAC could beat both of them.
Most of all, thanks for giving us something to talk about.
By AG63
August 30, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this
why is brookwood 7th in the county but pre-ranked 9th in the state. your prediction is b******
By Farsider
August 30, 2007 9:08 AM | Link to this
All I can say is that at least you have the proper top 10 teams in place, even if the order is a little..unusual.
No question you jumped on the Grayson bandwagon before the season started; if they do well you’ll look like a hero. Grayson’s been saying “wait ‘til next year” since they jumped to AAAAA. We’ll know a lot after their first three games. I’m still skeptical.
I continue to be impressed with teams like North Gwinnett, Grayson, Central and Brookwood for seeking out top competition for their non-region play. They might be better at the end of the season than teams with fatter records.
By Robert Wood
August 30, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this
DP, Grayson hasnt had a winning season in 5a football yet. Look at their schedule they are destined for another 5-5 or even 4-6 season.
By Robert Wood
August 30, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this
DP, From having the eagles ranked 10th and you say coaching is most important at the high school level. I assume you think the eagle staff is notrocious.
By DP
August 30, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this
Farsider … I’ve had two opposing coaches tell me how good they believe Grayson will be, and I agree. Remember, the Rams pushed Brookwood and Norcross to the limit last year.
Robert … I’m basing my Collins Hill pick on a lack of playmakers and a 24-0 scrimmage loss to Parkview.
By Citi slicker
August 30, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this
ok u did good on gwinett but where iis coob fulton dekalb clayton/henry gwinett is not the only section of metro atlanta that reads the ajc
By T.J.
August 30, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this
Farsider—-I was very skeptical of Grayson as well. I talked with couple of trusted coaches, refs, and teachers. My understanding is Grayson is busting at the seems with students/athletes. School will split in 3 years. New High School under construction in Grayson area. Until then they have 4,000 kids to pick from to play ball. Odds are they have some talent. Lets see what they do with it. DP—scoot over, I will ride the Grayson wagon with you.
By DP
August 30, 2007 5:39 PM | Link to this
Citi Slicker … I get that question a lot. The thing is my beat is Gwinnett. So those are the teams I am around the most. That said, I’m always willing to make phone call or two about any team in or out of Gwinnett. Who’s your squad?
TJ … I’m pretty sure there’s plenty of room for us.
By Citi slicker
August 31, 2007 12:25 AM | Link to this
ok dp i can dig that well can we get an dekalb/atlanta/south fulton beat writer we have too many prospects to go un notice we play hard down here too i am a mcnair fan but i watch out for most teams in my area
By Citi slicker
August 31, 2007 12:39 AM | Link to this
o yea i 4got thanks 4 da response and may i add i am not just wantin coverage and respect 4 mcnair but 4all atlanta/dekalb/s.fulton teams all though i understand 1 man can only do so much so the ajc needs to get u some help this is a big deal because uga football highschoolball is the most important sporting event in metro atlanta